Quick answer: This November, Jacksonville, Illinois celebrates the holiday season with the new Jacksonville Festival of Lights (November 27–December 31), the WJVO Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (November 27), Small Business Saturday (November 28), PINKMAS (November 20–21), and a lineup of unique downtown attractions like the world’s tallest Advent calendar.
November in Jacksonville, IL brings holiday festivities, small business celebrations, and seasonal attractions you won’t find anywhere else in Central Illinois. The historic downtown square transforms into a festive hub, with twinkling lights, decorated storefronts, and events that bring the whole community together.
From a brand-new light display to a parade that officially kicks off the season, Jacksonville’s November calendar gives locals and visitors plenty of reasons to bundle up and head downtown. Here are the five best things to do in Jacksonville, Illinois this November.
1. Experience the Jacksonville Festival of Lights
The Jacksonville Festival of Lights is the headline event of the season. Central Park in downtown Jacksonville transforms into a free, drive-through and walk-through light display that runs from November 27 through December 31.
Visitors can enjoy the glow of the lights Thursday through Sunday evenings:
- Thursdays: 5:00–8:00 PM
- Fridays & Saturdays: 5:00–9:00 PM
- Sundays: 5:00–8:00 PM
The Jacksonville Festival of Lights is a family-friendly activity that works for every schedule, whether you want to stroll through on foot or cruise through from the comfort of your car. Downtown Jacksonville offers over 2,000 parking spaces, so finding a spot near the display is rarely a hassle.
2. Celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 28
Small Business Saturday falls on November 28 this year, and downtown Jacksonville goes all in. Local entrepreneurs across more than 185 downtown businesses run all-day specials, making it the perfect time to start (or finish) your holiday shopping while supporting the local economy.
One stop worth adding to your list: KUSH21 Jacksonville, located at 1112 Veterans Dr. KUSH21 joins the Small Business Saturday celebration as a locally owned business in the community. Visitors 21 and older are welcome to stop by during the event; as with any cannabis retailer, purchases are limited to adults who meet Illinois’s legal age requirement, and products should be used responsibly and in accordance with state and local law.
If you’re planning to shop downtown, take advantage of extended Friday hours too. Jacksonville’s downtown businesses stay open until 7:00 PM on Fridays from November 6 through Christmas, giving you even more time to browse.
3. Attend the WJVO Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
The WJVO Christmas Parade marks the official start of the holiday season in Jacksonville. Set for November 27 at 6:00 PM, the parade winds through downtown before the community gathers for the Christmas tree lighting in Central Park.
This free community event also kicks off the Jacksonville Festival of Lights, so the parade and the light display launch together on the same night. It’s a single evening that captures everything the season is about: community, tradition, and a little bit of sparkle.
4. Explore Unique Holiday Attractions
Jacksonville’s downtown is home to a handful of attractions you won’t find in most small towns. Chief among them is the world’s tallest Advent calendar, built into the Farmers State Bank and Trust Company building. Each day, a new window reveals part of the countdown to Christmas, drawing visitors back downtown throughout the season to watch it unfold.
Beyond the Advent calendar, downtown Jacksonville offers:
- Santa House visits for photos and holiday cheer
- Festive carriage rides through the historic square
- A window decorating contest, sponsored by Jacksonville Main Street and the Jacksonville Journal-Courier, with online voting for the best indoor and window displays starting November 30
With over 185 businesses downtown offering holiday deals, you can easily turn an afternoon of sightseeing into a full day of shopping and dining.
5. Plan Your November 20–21 PINKMAS Experience
Before the Thanksgiving rush, Jacksonville hosts PINKMAS on November 20 and 21. Described as the small-business answer to Black Friday, PINKMAS brings exclusive store specials throughout downtown, giving shoppers a head start on holiday gifts while keeping dollars in the local economy.
PINKMAS is a newer addition to Jacksonville’s seasonal calendar, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite for early shoppers who want a jump on the best deals before the holiday rush sets in.
Mark Your Calendar for December Events
November’s festivities set the stage for even more happening in December. A few dates to keep on your radar:
- December 12: The Cookie Crawl, a new downtown holiday tradition featuring cocoa and carriage rides alongside the cookie-themed event
- Ongoing through December: The Downtown Holiday Display Contest, with voting open for the best indoor and window displays throughout the season
Pairing your November visit with a follow-up trip in December means you won’t miss a single part of Jacksonville’s holiday lineup.
Plan Your Jacksonville, IL Getaway This November
Jacksonville, Illinois, packs a full month of holiday magic into November. Between the new Festival of Lights, the WJVO Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, Small Business Saturday, PINKMAS, and the city’s one-of-a-kind attractions, there’s a reason to head downtown nearly every weekend.
Start planning now: check parking availability downtown, note the Festival of Lights’ Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, and set aside time for both PINKMAS and Small Business Saturday shopping. However you spend your November in Jacksonville, downtown’s blend of community spirit and small-town charm makes it worth the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Jacksonville Festival of Lights run?
The Jacksonville Festival of Lights runs from November 27 through December 31 in Central Park, downtown Jacksonville. It’s free to view, whether you walk through or drive through, with evening hours Thursday through Sunday.
What is PINKMAS in Jacksonville, IL?
PINKMAS is a two-day small-business shopping event held November 20–21. It functions as a small-business alternative to Black Friday, offering exclusive in-store specials throughout downtown Jacksonville.
Is parking available for downtown Jacksonville events?
Yes. Downtown Jacksonville offers over 2,000 parking spaces, making it easy to find a spot near the Festival of Lights, the Christmas Parade, or any Small Business Saturday shopping stops.
What is the world’s tallest Advent calendar?
It’s a seasonal landmark built into the Farmers State Bank and Trust Company building in downtown Jacksonville. Each day of December, a new window opens as part of the city’s holiday countdown.
Can I visit KUSH21 during Small Business Saturday?
Yes. KUSH21 Jacksonville, located at 1112 Veterans Dr., is participating in Small Business Saturday on November 28. Cannabis purchases are limited to adults 21 and older in accordance with Illinois state law.
